This H. Upmann 1844 Reserve Demitasse packs full flavor into its compact 5 1/4" x 33 parejo frame, ideal for busy smokers seeking quality in quick 20-minute sessions. The Connecticut Shade wrapper glistens with subtle oil sheen, housing Nicaraguan binder and Dominican fillers that create surprising complexity for its size.
First Third: Immediate roasted almonds and dark chocolate emerge through smooth draw, with cedar undertones and faint white pepper spice. The compact roll produces concentrated smoke despite small ring gauge.
Middle Third: Creamy caramel layers over base flavors as Jalapa tobacco asserts itself. Coffee bean bitterness balances sweetness while cinnamon undertones prevent cloying aftertaste.
Final Third: Mineral notes surface at nub stage without harshness. Piloto tobacco's earthy leather appears subtly, though short burn time limits development.
The triple cap stays intact through multiple relights when necessary. Medium resistance on draw ensures steady combustion in humid conditions (tested at 65% RH). Ash holds firmly for 10-12 minutes in stationary smoking.
While priced higher per gram than standard cigarillos, the 1844 Reserve justifies cost through genuine long-filler composition. It's become my go-to for condensed flavor bursts between meetings - much better than rushed larger cigars. Not ideal for aging, but shines as immediate smoke.
